Vellamo’s herbal sauna for small groups and families

During the program, you’ll take a slow walk into a nearby forest with professional guide, where you will gather herbs for our foot-baths as well as tree branches for our personal energising power whisks. You will learn about the importance of nature in Finnish culture, Finnish
folklore as well as herbal medicine and the powers of herbs and plants. After returning to the hotel/cabin, you will learn about sauna etiquette and the effects of the sauna.

You will start aromatic herbal sauna with facial masks and foot-baths. The traditional sauna healer will guide you through the sauna session. Afterwards you’ll feel relaxed and as if you were born again!

Group size: Min. 4 persons.

Lehmonkärki Resort HAASI Mirror Houses

Haasi – Mirror Houses, completed in the summer of 2020 at Lehmonkärki, is an accommodation complex that is completely unprecedented in Finland. It offers something truly unique for even the most experienced traveler. Haasi Mirror House is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the beautiful Finnish nature. Enjoy for the short luxury escape surrounded by pure lake Päijänne and odorous forests.

The walls of the rooms are full-height mirrored glass, and the buildings have been built on top of a pier structure on the lake. As you enter the room, you are greeted by a stunning lake view. From inside, you can admire both the sunset and storms.

The interiors of the Haasi rooms are elegant and harmonious. The Scandinavian color scheme and natural materials create warmth and luxury.
Haasi – Mirror Houses are located in their own restricted area with their own terraces and quality sun loungers. There are four apartments in total, positioned so that each has an unobstructed view of the lake. Each Haasi apartment has its own private outdoor jacuzzi.

Lehmonkärki Resort villas

Lehmonkärki, a high-quality tourist centre located on the shore of Lake Päijänne, offers luxury for all the senses. Whether it’s a business meeting, a break from everyday life or the most important celebration of your life, we’ll help you make it memorable.

We offer you stylish and high-quality accommodation facilities, a kitchen that offers flavours made from local ingredients and, above all, individual and first-class service. Clean water, beautiful nature and silence come as bonuses!

Facts:
– 15 villas for 2-14 persons
– Villa Vellamo with four hotel rooms
– Sauna world with four different saunas
– Summer café
– 3 restaurants
– Guided summer and winter activities
– Equipment rental

Ilola Inn

Ilola Inn is located on the shore of Lake Päijänne and offers accommodation in eight beautiful suites and rooms built in 2020.

• Two Luxury Suites (two bedrooms for 2, living room + kitchen, bathroom/toilet, private terrace and lake view)
• Two Suites (two bedrooms for 2, living room + kitchen, bathroom/toilet, lake view)
• Four rooms (bedroom for 2, bathroom/toilet, lake view)
All rooms are equipped with own bathroom and a view to Lake Päijänne.

Vellamo’s herbal sauna for small groups and families

During the program, you’ll take a slow walk into a nearby forest with professional guide, where you will gather herbs for our foot-baths as well as tree branches for our personal energising power whisks. You will learn about the importance of nature in Finnish culture, Finnish
folklore as well as herbal medicine and the powers of herbs and plants. After returning to the hotel/cabin, you will learn about sauna etiquette and the effects of the sauna.

You will start aromatic herbal sauna with facial masks and foot-baths. The traditional sauna healer will guide you through the sauna session. Afterwards you’ll feel relaxed and as if you were born again!

Group size: Min. 4 persons.

Päijätsalo Observation Tower and Trails in Sysmä

The Päijätsalo area in Sysmä offers several alternatives for a day trip in varied forest and lake sceneries. The longest circular trail comprises 4.1 km of atmospheric forests and shores of Lake Päijänne. Part of the trail extends to the Päijänne National Park, and its main attraction is the observation tower built in the 19th century. Situated in the middle of the island, the tower offers an impressive view over Päijänne.
The trail starts from the Päijätsalo parking area or, if accessed by boat, from Pyydysniemi. There are several paths in the area, and you can plan your route as you wish. The total length of the trail is 4 km. The trail can be accessed during the snow-free seasons.

Lake Päijänne

Lake Päijänne is the second largest lake in Finland. Lake Päijänne basin starts from Lake Vesijärvi in Lahti and continues north as far as the city of Jyväskylä. The water area is divided into the municipalities of Jyväskylä, Toivakka, Muurame, Jämsä, Luhanka, Kuhmoinen, Sysmä, Padasjoki and Asikkala. Altogether the lake covers an area of 1 118 km2. The largest open bodies of water in the lake are “Asikkalanselkä”, “Tehinselkä” and “Judinsalonselkä” in the southern part and “Vanhanselkä” and “Ristinselkä” in the northern part. The largest islands in the southern part are Virmailansaari (situated in Padasjoki) and Salonsaari (situated in Asikkala). You get to Lake Päijänne from Lake Vesijärvi via Vääksy Canal and from Lake Päijänne to Lake Ruotsalainen via Kalkkinen Canal.
A treat for nature tourists, Päijänne National Park is located in southern Lake Päijänne and contains steep rocks, sandy eskers, isolated lagoons and small islets. Sightseeing spots on land you can find Päijätsalo lookout towers or Kullasvuori lookout towers close to Padasjoki marina.

Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark

Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark tells the story of the best-known geological entity of Finland. It is situated in the Lahti region in southern Finland and it consists of the area of six municipalities in Päijät-Häme: Lahti, Hollola, Heinola, Asikkala, Sysmä and Padasjoki.
The First and Second Salpausselkä are unique ice-marginal formations laid down by ancient meltwater streams at the end of the Ice Age. They reach across the entirety of southern Finland and are at their most spectacular in the area of Salpausselkä Geopark. Here they are joined to eskers of international value, such as the picturesque Kelvenne Island and Pulkkilanharju Esker in Päijänne National Park.

Kelvenne Trail

The Kelvenne Trail passes through the Päijänne National Park, taking walkers from beautiful sandy beaches to peaceful forests and tops of high eskers. It’s an easy-to-follow path with lovely views. Kelvenne is an esker island formed during the Ice Age, and effects of the Ice Age can also be seen in the eskers, kettle holes and sheltered bays. The start and end points of the Kelvenne trail are in the south of the island (Kirkkosalmi) and in the north (Likolahti), and the trail can be walked in either direction. The trail passes through the entire island, winding along beaches as well as high eskers. The total lenght of the trail is 9 km.
Kelvenne Island can be reached either by scheduled boat, taxi boat or by kayaking.

Kalmari beach and recreation area

Kalmarinranta is a versatile recreational area, with a a public beach. It is said to be one of the best sandy beaches in Southern Finland. Kalmarinranta is situated near Vääksy, the municipality centre of Asikkala, on lake Vesijärvi.

The public beach of Kalmarinranta is well suited for families with children, as it is shallow and gently deepening. In addition to swimming Kalmarinranta offers a lot of activities: frisbee golf, playground, outdoor exercising area, beach volley and tennis courts. In addition, the area has a toilet, shower and summer kiosk. Nowadays Anianpelto market is being organized annually in Kalmarinranta.

The parking lot at Kalmarinranta is located in the northern side of Jyväskyläntie (Highway 24). The parking lot can be reached by car along Kalmarintie. Access from the parking lot to the beach is via an underpass below Highway 24.

You can also arrive at Kalmarinranta beach by public transport. Buses 40, 42, 46 and 49 take you less than a kilometer away from the area. Please check the current timetable for the bus at lsl.fi, there may be some changes from time to time.

Have sauna like a Finn!

How is the sauna heated? When it’s hot enough. How do you take a sauna and cool off? Venejoki Piilo offers guidance and sauna experience!

The program includes getting and chopping firewood for sauna, carrying water from a river or in the winter time from the hole in the ice, learning best sauna practices and traditions and your private sauna experince including evening snack and refreshments after sauna. Depending on the season, we will make together “vihta” – a traditional Finnish sauna broom made of birch.

During the sauna evening, guests are offered their own peace to enjoy the sauna. Finns have sauna naked, but if you want you can bring your own bathing suit, especially if you want to get dip in the river.

In connection with the sauna, there is an opportunity to take a dip in the river, but you cannot actually swim in it.

Towels and refreshments are included in the price of the sauna package, please let us know in advance about possible diets.

Stay in the Piilo hideaway and Hiking in The Heart of North Karelia Wilderness

Stay in the Piilo hideaway and Hiking in The Heart of North Karelia Wilderness

Welcome to lose your hurry and stress. This week is for you who want to stop a while and have a your own time and want to experience the healing power of nature on the hiking trips. Take a step back from your busy everyday life and reconnect with the wilderness. In this trip you have 6 days holiday in nature. Accommodation is in the heart of North Karelia wilderness in Venenjoen Piilo. Piilo is Hideaway accommodation, is the place to rest and feel the forest around you.

Have a trip to the North Karelian nature with us and open some of its hidden secrets. In this journey we will introduce you the beautiful and rich nature of eastern Finland. North Karelia is know to its wild life and is a home for several animals like bear and wolverine. Our trips will take you to five hidden nature gems in North Karelia. First day is spend in Koli National Park that has been the inspiration of Finnish artist for centuries and is a big part of our identity today.

Piilo (just like a hiding place) is small and unique accommodation village. And what nature you`ll find here! Koli national park, old forests, two unique lakes around. Piilo is built in a nature respecting ways, sustainable ideas and practise and with local people.
Departures:
3.6. – 9.6.2024
2.9. – 8.9.2024
9.9. – 15.9.2024
At other times by order.
6 nights, 7 days.
All inclusive package. Includes: Accommodation/double room, breakfast, picnic/outdoor lunch, dinner, sauna, smoke sauna, rafting, transportation.

Basic Cource on Shamanism

SHAMANISM EXPERIMENTALLY AT AN ISLAND LOCATION * ONE OF THE MOST SACRED NATURAL PLACES OF EARTH * TRADITIONAL FINNISH SMOKE SAUNA EVERY EVENING * BOAT JOURNEYS ACROSS THE LAKE *

Welcome to Koli in North Karelia in the summertime. This is one of the most sacred natural power places of Finland, and we welcome you to learn about our Ancestral ways together with us. As your course guide will serve the local Helena Karhu, whose ancestral roots are deeply from the region.

We will meet in the harbor of Koli. We travel by boat through the lake islands towards the magical Tarina-aho retreat place in Kelvänsaari Island. The enchantment of Tarina-aho is difficult to describe in words or photos; we enter a world whose traditional Finnish wooden buildings and special island milieu support awakening our senses, raising spells, and summoning the nature spirits.

We are going to get to know the natural dimensions of our own folklore. During the weekend, we will learn the basics of shamanism and relax together. We will enjoy the unique nature of Kelvänsaari on an incredibly beautiful beach, and for a moment we will touch the beautiful secrets of Koli’s nature for the bearers of folk traditions or other nature lovers.

This course is suitable for anyone who has natural curiosity to learn about the basics of a shaman’s activity, the natural dimensions of human consciousness, and our own selves at this point in our life path. We look at shamanism both from the point of view of our own cultural heritage and from a wider global dimension, which includes our experiences and connections around the world. The course is especially aimed at people who are getting to know the shaman’s world for the first time, or for people who have practiced on their own, but now want to enjoy togetherness with likeminded souls for a long weekend.

GUIDED BY HELENA KARHU

On the Healer´s Journey

Dare to join the healer lady´s herb-gathering journey.
This largest oasis swamp area in Southern Finland in Torronsuo National Park is about 8,500 years old. A swamp this old has many stories to tell, but it needs an interpreter for its words so that we can understand. The healer lady takes travelers through stories to the mystical powers and old ways of using wild plants, combining history and the present into a whole that supports and strengthens the relationship with nature.
After this trip, you have greeted Tapio, cupped water and smelled herbs. And watch out, you might see a shaman.

The walk in Torronsuo is less than two kilometers. In addition to duck-boards, the terrain is a wide path with a sandy surface. The trip is suitable for adults in basic physical condition, and does not require special equipment. Take your own water bottle with you. Best time for this guided trip is from may to october.

Warm up the Sauna like a Finn!

When in spring the lake Päijänne has left the ice and the winter behind and the water’s temperature is a little bit over plus four degrees. This period of the Nature calls you to clean yourself in the traditional Finnish sauna by the lake. Experience abundant physical, mental and spiritual wellness during your sauna-tour.

You will learn to tie the whisk and heat up the authentic traditional Finnish sauna.

Program:

• Arrival to Nukula before noon

• Welcoming lunch and discussion about sauna, history, mythology

• Guided excursion into nature to collect trees’ and branches for sauna and tying the whisk

• Heating up the sauna, afternoon coffee brake

• Sauna bath

• Dinner

• Overnight

• Morning swim at lake Päijänne

• Breakfast

• Departure from Nukula

How to get to Nukula: You can arrive by car to Nukula or by train, bus or airplane to Jyväskylä. Nukula is located 30 mins drive (30 km) from Jyväskylä. You can take a taxi or we can also arrange a transportation upon request. We can also arrange transportation for bigger groups from Helsinki-Vantaa airport.

Please take note that our exact postal code address is 41630 ORAVASAARI. (We are located at the border line of City of Jyväskylä and Toivakka.)

Silence Trail – Unhurried pace of being in the moment

Let the silence guide you through your holidays at Lake Päijänne in central Finland. Experience wonders of the lush forests, culinary indulgencies and purifying steams of a traditional sauna. Enjoy authentic Finnish nature with perfect silence, and reach your inner peace too. Explore the surrounding Nature by nighttime excursion.

The land where Nukula is standing, has interesting history, starting from end of 1700 century. This land has known before the farm of Piililä. There are a lot of land with forest, rocks, nature paths and all this is ending to the second biggest lake of Finland, called Päijänne. The surroundings forests have hidden life of nature elements, and of wild animals like moose, wild rabbits, bears, lynxes, foxes and many kinds of birds like swans and ravens. The perfect silence is disturbed only by birds, wind, and waves of Päijänne.

You will have a few guided excursions of silence. The excursion’s destination can be Haukkavuori Hill, Late Queen Elizabeth’s Forest Excursion, or Wellness Path, to name but a few. You can choose the destinations freely. You move in Nature without fussing on foot or in wintertime with a kick sled. So, you do not disturb the peace of Nature. Focus on finding the way to your inner peace.
We respect the wisdom of wild Nature and treat it responsibly. Wandering peacefully, quietly, and without interruption, opens your heart and mind to new thoughts, energy, and dreaming.

p.s. Our exact postal code address is 41630 ORAVASAARI.

Serlachius in Tampere Region

Serlachius takes you away from the crowded places to a harmonious atmosphere of art, design and nature! You will find national art treasures, contemporary exhibitions, internationally awarded architecture, exciting history and excellent cuisine in the midst of beautiful Finnish nature. Add some soft activities in your day and borrow a bike or Nordic walking poles and take a turn in the Art Town Mänttä. Or perhaps you would like to have a picnic in the Sculpture Park and row a boat on the lake close by? Your choice! Welcome to the Finnish top sight – far out art with a historic heart!

Frantsilan Kehäkukka – Cafe and Vegetarian Restaurant

Located on the banks of the Pappilanjoki river, in a beautifully renovated school building originally built in 1875, Frantsilan Kehäkukka café & restaurant sits at the very heart of the Hämeenkyrö village. Kehäkukka is open year round and offers daily vegetarian lunch specials, savory herb pastries and organic beetroot delicacies, served alongside herbal tea and coffee.

The café also includes a sundries shop, where you can buy various local produce, as well as all your favorite Frantsila products. During the summer months, you can also enjoy a walk through the café’s herb garden, as well as visit the adjoining handicraft shops run by local artisans.

Guesthouse Mattilan Majatalo

Idyllic peaceful country accommodation and horse stables.

Mattilan Majatalo guesthouse, built in the mid-19th century, is located in the middle of the strikingly beautiful countryside of Sastamala, only 45 kilometres from the city of Tampere. Nowadays its main building has been renovated into idyllic accommodation, banquet and meeting premises.

Along with charming accommodation, we also offer a perfect venue for celebrations and social functions, or an activity-packed school camp or recreational camp for a group of 10–25 people. Guests are also welcome to use a large, well-equipped kitchen and two large halls. A large sauna with an outdoor hot tub is available on order.

Our beautiful surroundings and cosy quarters are ideal for having a lovely relaxing vacation. We also arrange various activities.

Kärppälän Ratsutila horse stables share the same courtyard with the guesthouse.

Mattilan Majatalo guesthouse offers you the beauty of the Finnish countryside at its best. Welcome to enjoy the Finnish countryside!

Frantsilan Kehäkukka – Cafe and Vegetarian Restaurant

Located on the banks of the Pappilanjoki river, in a beautifully renovated school building originally built in 1875, Frantsilan Kehäkukka café & restaurant sits at the very heart of the Hämeenkyrö village. Kehäkukka is open year round and offers daily vegetarian lunch specials, savory herb pastries and organic beetroot delicacies, served alongside herbal tea and coffee.

The café also includes a sundries shop, where you can buy various local produce, as well as all your favorite Frantsila products. During the summer months, you can also enjoy a walk through the café’s herb garden, as well as visit the adjoining handicraft shops run by local artisans.

Guesthouse Mattilan Majatalo

Idyllic peaceful country accommodation and horse stables.

Mattilan Majatalo guesthouse, built in the mid-19th century, is located in the middle of the strikingly beautiful countryside of Sastamala, only 45 kilometres from the city of Tampere. Nowadays its main building has been renovated into idyllic accommodation, banquet and meeting premises.

Along with charming accommodation, we also offer a perfect venue for celebrations and social functions, or an activity-packed school camp or recreational camp for a group of 10–25 people. Guests are also welcome to use a large, well-equipped kitchen and two large halls. A large sauna with an outdoor hot tub is available on order.

Our beautiful surroundings and cosy quarters are ideal for having a lovely relaxing vacation. We also arrange various activities.

Kärppälän Ratsutila horse stables share the same courtyard with the guesthouse.

Mattilan Majatalo guesthouse offers you the beauty of the Finnish countryside at its best. Welcome to enjoy the Finnish countryside!